Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
4 Jun 2020 | |
Written by Md Mahmudul Hoque (Moni) | |
Bangladesh | |
Perspectives, Provocations & Initiatives: Covid-19 |
Bangladesh ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 and the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour (1999) in 2001. Following those commitments, Bangladesh enacted a set of legislations and policies to fight the widespread issue of child labour. With a vision to eliminate all forms of child labour by 2025, the Government of Bangladesh formulated the National Child Labour Elimination Policy in 2010 and prepared Plan of Actions to execute the policy. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has been running a dedicated government funded project in phases since 2001 with a view to eliminate the worst forms of child labour in major cities. However, no significant improvement has been reported in recent years, and child labour remains widespread in the country, especially in the capital.
All major donor agencies, that constitute the global movement to eradicate child labour, suggest that the government ought to protect these children by providing financial and schooling support. The Government has expanded the coverage of stipend and mid-day meals for children in school. Local NGOs with support from the government and international donor agencies are working to provide support as well. Yet, the fact persists that most of these children work in informal sectors and the existing legal framework and limited formal protection interventions have not delivered as expected. IDS is currently leading a research-based programme named ‘Child Labour Action Research Innovation in South and Southern Asia (CLARISSA)’ which has been working to generate innovative solutions to the worst form of child labour in Bangladesh.
The government, donor agencies, and businesses ought to extend their support towards these children and their families in all capacities. They must come up with additional budgets and fresh care and protection strategies. Otherwise, the fight against child labour which has a “moderate achievement” will have to restart.
Above all, this crisis discovers that the dominant idea of keeping children away from work and ignoring the benefits of children’s work in low-income societies is not always good. Scholars and international community must recognize the positive impacts of child labour and, countries like Bangladesh need to extend their efforts to ensure the protection of working children.
IDS Alumni shared with us their top tips for success at DFID job interviews, many of which are applicable to other development interviews. More...
Bangladesh Alumni association enjoy a family day out. More...
IDS Alumnus Wadan Narsey, blogs about publishing his thesis, and his active involvement during the 30 years prior workin… More...
IDS Alumni Ambassadors are volunteers who work closely with IDS to improve alumni services, organise events and reunions… More...
Nana Sugaya (MADev15) explores the relationship between former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's poverty reduction policies and his 'war on drugs… More...
Andre Flores (MAFOOD04) tells us about government provision of ayuda to Philippine citizens and discusses its benefits and pitfalls during the Covid-1… More...
Ameeta Motwani (MAGEN35) tells us how evolving themes in Bollywood cinema are challenging traditional norms surrounding gender and sexuality throughou… More...